Malakai Black Wins PROGRESS World Title Amid Travel Issues and Personal Tragedy

Former WWE and AEW performer Malakai Black won the PROGRESS Wrestling World Title on September 6, 2026, defeating Cara Noir during the Odyssey Tour event at the O2 Ritz in Manchester.

Travel Chaos and Personal Tragedy in Manchester

Addressing the live crowd after capturing the championship, Black revealed that he faced severe travel disruptions while trying to reach England for the event. The competitor was forced to spend $5,000 out of pocket to secure a new flight to make the booking. PROGRESS management confirmed to F4W/WON that Black did not inform the promotion about the transit crisis beforehand, handling the financial and logistical burden himself to honor his commitments to the company.

The situation grew worse backstage just moments before the championship bout. Black learned only 45 minutes before his match that his close friend Andy Williams, known in the ring as The Butcher, had passed away. PROGRESS Wrestling management described Black to F4W/WON as “a dream to work with,” adding that the quality of the match he delivered less than an hour after receiving the tragic news was “f*cking incredible.”

Upcoming Title Defense at When September Ends

Following his title victory in Manchester, Black is scheduled for his next appearance later this month. PROGRESS Wrestling confirmed that the newly crowned Men’s World Champion will defend his title at the upcoming ‘When September Ends’ event on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

The event takes place at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London, marking Black’s return to the promotion’s spiritual home. Xelina is also scheduled to appear on the card for the September 27 show, with tickets available via Dice and the event powered by Alan Day BYD.